Scottish population in England could double as YES vote will prompt mass exodus

AS many as 700,000 people could leave Scotland if the country votes to split from the UK, it was revealed today.

One in six Scots may leave the country if the Yes campaign is victorious [PA]

A sixth of Scotland's 5.3million residents find the prospect of a Yes vote so uncomfortable that they would be prepared to leave the country, a survey by Panelbase found.

The latest census figures show that around 750,000 Scots already live south of the border – more than the population of either Edinburgh or Glasgow – but this latest poll could see that number almost DOUBLE.

However, uncertainty over Scotland's place in the European Union could hinder any plans Scots may have to migrate here.

The Yes campaign is insistent that Scotland would remain in the EU after becoming independent, thus allowing freedom of movement to the remaining parts of the UK.

However, many have flatly contradicted this, including Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

If Scotland votes Yes, the UK will split, and we will go our separate ways forever

David Cameron

Mr Rajoy said today that it could take up to eight years for Scotland to go through the lengthy process of becoming an EU member which raises unresolved questions over what happens to Scots in England and vice versa.

And if Scotland is forced to go through the motions to rejoin the EU, one proviso could be it adopts the euro – something the Yes campaign has ruled out.

Also, if Scotland rejoins the EU it is likely to have to become part of the Schengen agreement – movement without passport control – which raises the likelihood that a physical border to England would have to be built.

The mass exodus of a sixth of the Scottish population could also create huge problems for the Scottish economy.

But even without this loss of Scots, First Minister Alex Salmond has admitted that the country will need another 24,000 immigrants a year to fill jobs and fund a welfare system for its ageing population.

Alex Salmond may have to say goodbye to 700,000 of his fellow Scots [PA]

Date from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggests that this could be problematic for the country, as in the long term a net migration of only 15,500 per year is expected.

Prime Minister David Cameron has warned Scots that the result of Thursday's referendum will be a "once and for all decision".

In an impassioned speech on Monday, Mr Cameron said: "We must be very clear. There's no going back from this.

"No re-run. This is a once-and-for-all decision.

"If Scotland votes Yes, the UK will split, and we will go our separate ways forever."